Legendary R&B icon D’Angelo dies at 51
American R&B singer D'Angelo (Michael Archer) performs on stage at Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 02 March 2015. (Photo by Paul Bergen/Redferns)
Beloved R&B icon D’Angelo, known for redefining soul music with his timeless voice and artistry, has died at the age of 51.
According to a family statement to TMZ, he died from pancreatic cancer.
What they're saying:
According to Variety, the family released a statement, "The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life…After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today, October 14th, 2025."
RELATED: Researchers at Long Island lab discover breakthrough that slows pancreatic cancer progression
"We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world."
D'Angelo's life and legacy
What we know:
Artistry has been the focal point for Michael D’Angelo Archer since he came on the scene in 1995 with Grammy-nominated debut ''Brown Sugar.’' The album’s funky R and B grooves recalled the ‘70s sound with its focus on instrumentation instead of borrowed tracks or predictable beats. Critics labeled D’Angelo the leader of a new neosoul movement, along with the likes of Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill and Maxwell.
RELATED: Celebrity deaths of 2025: Who we’ve lost this year
According to TMZ, he won four Grammy Awards, including best R&B album for "Voodoo" in 2001 and "Black Messiah" in 2016, as well as best R&B song for "Really Love" and best male R&B vocal performance for "Untitled (How Does It Feel)."
D’Angelo was partnered to Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone in the ’90s. The pair met while he was finishing "Brown Sugar" and bonded over their similar backgrounds: Both are from the South and both grew up in the church. Stone worked on the album with D’Angelo and the pair co-wrote the song "Everyday" for her 1999 debut album, "Black Diamond."
Stone described D’Angelo as her "musical soul mate," to The Associated Press in 1999, adding that their working relationship was "’like milk and cereal …. Musically, it was magic. It’s something that I have not been able to do with any other producer or musician."
They had a son together, the artist Swayvo Twain, born Michael Archer Jr.
Stone died earlier this year in a car crash. She was 63.
D’Angelo also has a daughter, Imani Archer.
What is pancreatic cancer?
Dig deeper:
According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer begins in the pancreas, with pancreatic adenocarcinoma being the most common form of the disease.
The society says pancreatic cancer is relatively uncommon but remains one of the deadliest cancers.
Pancreatic cancer vaccine trial results revealed
FROM THE ARCHIVES: The vaccine successfully stimulated an immune response in half of the treated patients, resulting in no cancer relapse after 18 months.
It's estimated that in 2025, about 67,440 people in the United States (34,950 men and 32,490 women) will be diagnosed with the disease, and around 51,980 (27,050 men and 24,930 women) will die from it.
The average lifetime risk is about 1 in 56 for men and 1 in 60 for women, though individual risk can vary depending on specific factors.
The Source: Information in this story comes primarily from a TMZ report announcing D’Angelo’s death at age 51. The Associated Press contributed to this report. This story was reported from Los Angeles.